The U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a trade mission in conjunction with the Opportunities in Central America Business Development Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica on July 15-19, 2013. Trade mission participants will be able to take part in the conference and have business-to-business meetings in up to two of the following countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and potentially Nicaragua and Belize. The mission is open to U.S. companies from a cross section of industries with potential for growth in Central America, but focusing on best prospects including construction equipment/road building machinery, medical equipment and devices, and safety/security.

2013 Opportunities in Central America Business Development Conference
The Conference will include a Central America focused business discussion consisting of regional and industry specific sessions as well as pre-arranged consultations with Commercial and Economic Officers representing commercial markets throughout the region.

Why Central América?

Central America is a growing market for United States exports, and U.S. products are highly accepted in the region with almost 40 million potential buyers. In 2011 the U.S. exported over $31 billion worth of goods to the Region.

Central America is yet to fully develop its domestic manufacturing capabilities and therefore depends on a high proportion of imports. 50% of the Region’s Imports come from the United States.

FTA with the U.S. - CAFTA-DR benefits such as 80% of U.S. Manufactured exports enter Duty-Free; Low tariffs (1-17%) for products for remaining products; equal access to services market, such as telecommunications & insurance; and improved business & investment climate.

Dollar is accepted and English is widely spoken in business environment.